Residences and Gardens of LucchesiaThe historic residences of Lucchesia bear witness to the illustrious past of the region, with many dating back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These aristocratic abodes not only serve as custodians of local history but also as repositories of art, precious furnishings, and sumptuous architecture, transporting visitors back in time.
Equally extraordinary are the gardens of Lucchesia, characterized by geometric layouts, elegant fountains, and a rich variety of plants and flowers. Many of these green spaces are masterfully designed, creating unique atmospheres and offering picturesque views of the surrounding hills. From the Garzoni Garden in Collodi, known for its fairy-tale atmosphere, to the gardens of Villa Reale di Marlia, with their classical inspirations, each green space is a living work of art.
Exploring the heritage of the residences and gardens of Lucchesia means immersing oneself in a world of elegance, beauty, and historical charm. Every corner tells the story of noble families, creative landscape geniuses, and cultural influences that have shaped the region over the centuries. A journey through these treasures not only provides an overview of the past but also an unforgettable experience of timeless beauty.
The proximity to the Historic City Center was a preferential element for the settlement of villas and second residences by numerous noble families of Lucca in past centuries. According to an initial census, there are 74 historic-monumental villas in the territory of the Circoscrizione, often accompanied by extensive and highly valuable gardens that significantly characterize the hilly landscape. This territory, together with the hilly area overlooking the entire plain of Lucca, saw the proliferation of country villas from the 16th century onwards, connecting to the city palace for many noble families of that time. Among cultural and environmental assets, these villas play a particularly significant role due to their high historical, architectural, and artistic value, which must be appropriately safeguarded and enhanced in an overall integrated territorial system. The "Monumental Villas of Lucca" were the rich and elegant country residences of Lucca merchants. Dating from the 15th to the 19th century, there are about 300, mostly located in the Lucca hills on the edges of the so-called "Piana di Lucca," on the Pistoia side, practically adjacent to the Pizzorne plateau.
In the construction of these works of urban bourgeoisie immersed in olive groves and vineyards, the people of Lucca have altered their landscape, considering beauty as the primary consideration. Visitors come into contact with a multitude of values ranging from architecture and landscape to agriculture and traditional activities, creating a contemplative and intimate atmosphere. It is recommended to organize the visit to Lucchese villas along specific routes to delve into the tranquility and elegance of these charming abodes. Only 6 of them are "Visitable," and of these, only a few can be explored inside, such as Villa Bernardini in Vicopelago di Lucca. They showcase the best of Lucca's artistic and cultural heritage with frescoes, statues, ponds, parks, etc., unique in their elegance and richness of meaning. Every detail in these noble residences has been carefully thought out and tastefully designed by the ancient owners and architects of the time. Some villas have undergone adaptations to various historical periods, preserving, however, an artistic style of great refinement. Most of the villas feature ponds and caves with water features, lemon groves, and plants of rare and particular beauty in their splendid gardens.The Gardens of Lucca
